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Executive Director of the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), Dr. Patrece Charles-Freeman, is encouraging parents to start saving now for the 2016/17 academic year.

She said that by putting aside some money every month, they will be better able to afford the various costs associated with back-to-school.

Dr. Charles-Freeman informed that the NPSC has developed a ‘Parenting with a Purpose’ programme in association with Junior Achievement Jamaica, aimed at providing parents with better investment, saving and budgeting skills.

Executive Director of the National Parenting Support Commission (NPSC), Dr. Patrece Charles-Freeman, is encouraging parents to start saving now for the 2016/17 academic year.

She said that by putting aside some money every month, they will be better able to afford the various costs associated with back-to-school.

“Parenting smartly means spending your money wisely and putting away a little every month if you can. See if you can take some of the pressure off next year,” she said in an interview with JIS News.

Dr. Charles-Freeman informed that the NPSC has developed a ‘Parenting with a Purpose’ programme in association with Junior Achievement Jamaica, aimed at providing parents with better investment, saving and budgeting skills.

The pilot for the programme was launched this month in eight primary-level schools in Kingston and St. Andrew.

They are Chetolah Park, Maxfield Park, St. Andrew, Tavares Gardens, and Trench Town Primary; Cockburn Gardens and Melrose Primary and Junior High; and Central Branch All-age.

“We are working with parents within the communities and the schools, and we are also going to help them develop business plans to establish businesses for profit. It’s a way of helping them to save and budget for next year,” Dr. Charles-Freeman explained.

She further encouraged parents to get involved in the lives of their children at school in order to ensure their academic success and prevent them from dropping out.

Dr. Charles-Freeman said the NPSC will be launching a marketing campaign called ‘Take the Time’ by the end of September to highlight the importance of parental involvement in their children’s education and life.

“Take the time to help guide them through homework, to set up a routine at home so that they are used to getting up at a certain time, going to bed at a certain time…and (keep in contact) with their teachers,” she said.

“Take the time to say ‘I love you’, take the time to read with your children, take the time to hug your children and take the time to stay involved,” she added.

She further advised the parents to encourage their children to model positive behaviour and attitudes.

The NPSC will be celebrating Parent’s Month in November. Dr. Charles-Freeman said the flagship activity will be the staging of a Parenting Village in Montego Bay, St. James.

This will include a parent fair with entertainment, 21st Century parenting workshops, a kiddie’s village and various exhibits and parenting sessions.